Formulaic genre, in literature, refers to a category of literary works in which the elements of fiction are so similar from one work to the next, that they seem to follow a predetermined formula.
Formulaic genre is different from literary genre, which is simply a category in literature in which the works are characterized by similarity in form, style, or subject matter. Similarities in one or two of these areas make one literary work fit into one or another category, or genre.
However, a literary work is said to be formulaic, or part of a formulaic genre, when this similarity is so notable, that the reader may feel like he or she has read the work before.
Within a formulaic genre, the plot lines, characters, settings, style, and other elements of fiction are so similar from one work to the next that the work can often seem unoriginal or predictable. This is not necessarily seen in a negative light. According to some literary opinions, a work may only be an acceptable example of its genre if it adheres to certain guidelines or expectations associated with that genre. The work may only seem to fit within a literary genre if it contains certain predetermined elements of fiction.
Formulaic genre is different from literary genre, which is simply a category in literature in which the works are characterized by similarity in form, style, or subject matter. Similarities in one or two of these areas make one literary work fit into one or another category, or genre.
However, a literary work is said to be formulaic, or part of a formulaic genre, when this similarity is so notable, that the reader may feel like he or she has read the work before.
Within a formulaic genre, the plot lines, characters, settings, style, and other elements of fiction are so similar from one work to the next that the work can often seem unoriginal or predictable. This is not necessarily seen in a negative light. According to some literary opinions, a work may only be an acceptable example of its genre if it adheres to certain guidelines or expectations associated with that genre. The work may only seem to fit within a literary genre if it contains certain predetermined elements of fiction.